Table 1.

Verbal Response Categories

Response Type	Definition	Example
Sensitive	Statements or actions directly related to the object the baby is focused on	That’s a ball
Affirmation	Conversational turns that do not provide new information	Uh-huh, I know
Narrative	Statements related to baby’s state or actions	You’re so big!
Imitation	Duplications of baby’s sound	Baby: [ba]; Mom: [ba]
Redirection	Attempts to move infant attention elsewhere	Look at this toy instead
Non-Sequitur	Statements unrelated to the infant or current context of the infant’s environment	What should we have for dinner?